I still expect and look forward to player run companies with buildings and ships and things, because they didn't say "We've changed our minds," or "This is too difficult to do, sorry." I just don't believe we'll see them for a while.
A while after Grand Companies I think. Right now there isn't much to do in game. We wouldn't have a use for ships for example. Where would they go? In circles?
If we get lots more content though, content that may require linkshells to band together, and more places to go.. Perhaps other continents opening up that we could travel to on ships.. I think that's when we'll see player companies.
I look forward to but, but I think it's far into the future.